Sometimes it is hard to believe that while students of Illinois State are away at school, they have any time to do anything other than study, eat, sleep, repeat. However, it is extremely important to remember to take breaks and enjoy the beautiful city that surrounds you while you battle the hardships of college. So here are just a few ideas to make your upcoming weekend more exciting and enjoyable.

1. Radar Pumpkin Patch

Around the fall time this pumpkin patch is a great way to hang out with friends, eat some autumn themed food, battle a difficult maze, and of course bring home the perfect pumpkin for your decor.

2. Ice skating at the Pepsi Ice Center

This scarily fun activity is a great way to bond with friends and possibly fall on your face but it's all in good fun.

3. Bar hopping

For the 21 and older crowd, the town of Normal offers a lot of variety when choosing which bar and or bars to spend the depths of the night in.

4. Progressive dinner at all of uptown’s restaurants

There are so many great dine-ins to choose from, why not try them all? Start your appetizer at one restaurant, and keeping choosing different establishments until you've finished with your dessert.

5. Visit Insomnia

A great place for students and visitors to indulge themselves in cookies galore.

6. Visit the Miller Park Zoo

Family friendly and so many adorable animals to admire up close and from afar.

7. Check out what’s happening at Redbird Arena

For the sports fan that enjoy the occasional football game. The Redbirds are definitely worth the watch.

8. Spend a Sunday at Buffalo Wild Wings

Or if you'd rather stay warm and bask in the wings and fries, hit up this local restaurant for a variety of games to watch all day long.

9. Bowling and Billiards

This place on campus is a great way for students to meet up after a long day or even longer week and play some fun games for a fraction of the competitive cost.

10. Bike ride down Constitution Trail

Renting a bike in Normal is as easy as spelling it. Travel down this trail in the peak of spring and you will not regret it.

11. Explore the Mclean County Museum of History

A museum that ties its roots back to the 1800s that all history majors cannot ignore.

So whether you are a student, permanent resident, or just passing through the town of Normal, exploring these key attractions will definitely be worth your time.